Written by Neela K. Sethi, M.D.

On December 12, 2007 the drug company Merck announced a recall of about one million doses of the HIB, or Haemophilus Influenzae type b. This vaccine is generally given as low as two months of age and is responsible for protection of meningitis, pneumonia, and other related illnesses. The CDC and FDA announced that the vaccines may be contaminated with a type of bacteria. This bacteria may lead to localized reactions with redness, bumps or pus-filled wounds. If any of these reactions do occur, contact your doctor. Also, if the reactions should occur, it will likely be soon after the vaccine delivery, not months later, per a Merck representative.

Merck stated that these potential contaminated vaccines are still effective in disease prevention. Children do not need to be re-vaccinated. Again, parents should look for localized reactions and contact a pediatrician with any concerns…(read more)